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Neumann

Neumann KM 140

Small-diaphragm condenser, cardioid: the AK 40 active capsule on the KM 100 output stage; discontinued

Power Phantom P48, 48 V ± 4 V (IEC 61938).

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Cardioid
Sensitivity
−36.5 dBV/Pa
vs 75 end-address condensers

More output than 54% of 75 end-address condensers.

Each stripe is one end-address condenser with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.

  • Among 204 condensers: more output than 57%
  • Among 311 mics: more output than 70%
Self-noise
16 dB(A)
vs 104 end-address condensers

Quieter than 48% of 104 end-address condensers.

Each stripe is one end-address condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.

  • Among 258 condensers: quieter than 45%
  • Among 272 mics: quieter than 46%
Max SPL
138 dB SPL
vs 110 end-address condensers

Takes louder sound than 53% of 110 end-address condensers.

Each stripe is one end-address condenser with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.

  • Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 53%
  • Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 49%
Rated range
20 – 20k Hz

Frequency response

Angle

Distance

From the manual, p. 7.

Polar pattern

Transparency

From the manual, p. 7.

All specs

From the manual
5 lists KM 120, 130, 131, 143, 140, 145 and 150; this is the KM 140 column (the 2012 brochure, p.
CapsuleAK 40 active capsule: pressure-gradient transducer, cardioid (the impedance converter sits in the capsule housing)"AK 40 is a pressure gradient transducer with cardioid characteristic. The frequency curves are very even and parallel to 0° sound incidence. Sound sources within a pickup angle of ± 135° are transmitted without coloration."p. 3
Sensitivity−36.5 dBV/Pa (15 mV/Pa)1 kHz into 1 kohm rated load. Stated as 12 mV/Pa; converted: 20·log10(0.012) = -38.4. The table on p. 11, gives the same).p. 5
Self-noise16 dB(A)IEC 60268-1, A-weighting IEC 61672-1, RMS. "16 dB-A". The table on p. 11, gives the same).
Self-noiseCCIR 46825 dBCCIR 468-3, quasi peak. The table on p. 11, gives the same).
Max SPL138 dB SPLless than 0.5% THD; also 148 dB SPL, with preattenuation. "THD of microphone amplifier at an input voltage equivalent to the capsule output at the specified SPL." The table on p. 11, gives the same).
Signal-to-noise ratio78 dBre 94 dB SPL, A-weighted; also 69 dB, re 94 dB SPL, CCIR 468-3. The table on p. 11, gives the same).
Dynamic range122 dBmicrophone amplifier, A-weighted. The table on p. 11, gives the same).
Output impedance50 ohmrated impedance
Rated frequency range20 Hz to 20 kHzThe 2012 brochure (p. 10) adds "measured in free-field conditions (IEC 60268-4), tolerance ± 2 dB" for the graphs.
Current draw2 mA
Pad−10 dBRecessed slide switch on the KM 100 output stage; "Attenuation is achieved by reducing the capsule voltage to one third of nominal."p. 4
ConnectorXLR-3 maleOn the KM 100 output stage; matching connector XLR3F (brochure p. 11).p. 2
Weight80 gp. 5
Dimensions22 × 92 mm"92 x 22 mm" (L x ø): diameter × length, capsule on the output stage. The active capsule alone is about 35 mm long (p. 2).
Finishmatt black"blk" for the AK 40 and the KM 100 output stage.p. 3
BuildTwo parts that unscrew: the AK 40 active capsule (Cat. No. 69007) and the KM 100 output stage (Cat. No. 07395); the capsule can be used up to 50 m from the output stage on a 3 mm cable (LC 3 KA)p. 2
PolaritymanualPin 2 hot in the pin table (p. 2); the note on unbalanced operation (p. 4) says pin 3 is hot with the KM 100 output stage
From the catalog
Rated load impedance1000 ohmrated load impedancep. 11
Poweringphantom P48, 48 V ± 4 V (IEC 61938)The manual (p. 5) gives P48, IEC 61938, without the tolerance.
Max. output voltage10 dBu
Stereo setsSKM 140 (a KM 140 pair with accessories) and SKM 100-MS (KM 120 and KM 140)p. 5
UseNeumannUniversal, especially where sound from neighbouring instruments must be rejected; XY and ORTF pairs; announcer mic; spot and overhead; close miking of strings, wind, percussion, piano, Leslie and guitar amps (an extra windscreen is recommended against wind)p. 9

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © Neumann, unchanged, with its original address.

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